Gretchen Rossi Returns to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19: What We Can Expect

15 comments

After the highly successful 18th season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, which wrapped up last November, fans are in for another treat. Gretchen Rossi, one of the show’s most iconic personalities, is making her return — but this time as a “friend” of the cast. Production on Season 19 of the hit Bravo series began this week, and while the entire main cast is returning, former “friend” Alexis Bellino will not be part of the new season, according to Variety.

Gretchen Rossi Returns to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19: What We Can Expect
Gretchen Rossi Returns to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19: What We Can Expect

A Familiar Face in the OC

Gretchen Rossi first joined RHOC in Season 4, which aired in November 2008. At the time, she was engaged to Jeff Beitzel, a much older, wealthy man who was frequently painted by some of the other women as a “golddigger” — a storyline that quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of her debut season. Tragically, Beitzel passed away before the season aired.

Despite the controversy surrounding her initial years on the show, Gretchen made a memorable exit in Season 8 when she delivered a lavish proposal to boyfriend Slade Smiley. Smiley, who had been a significant part of Gretchen’s storylines, accepted, and they’ve been together ever since. In 2019, the couple welcomed their daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley, though they have never tied the knot.

Gretchen Rossi Returns to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19: What We Can Expect
Gretchen Rossi Returns to The Real Housewives of Orange County for Season 19: What We Can Expect

Although Gretchen Rossi was let go after her eighth season, she remained in the Bravo universe, making guest appearances in later seasons. She also participated in the ill-fated Ultimate Girls Trip season filmed in Morocco in early 2023, which was scrapped following a legal dispute. Fans never got to see that season, but now, Gretchen is back where it all began: in the OC.

What to Expect From Season 19

In addition to Gretchen Rossi, fans will also see returning faces like Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Jennifer Pedranti, Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson. While Gretchen’s return will no doubt stir up some drama, especially with Tamra Judge — who often clashed with her during their time together on the show — there’s another notable absence this season: Alexis Bellino.

Bellino, who returned as a “friend” of the cast in Season 18 and quickly became a polarizing figure, has not been invited back for Season 19. Despite her attempts to rekindle old friendships (or perhaps create new feuds), her presence was not enough to secure her spot for the new season. Throughout Season 18, Bellino’s antics seemed to irritate nearly everyone, including her former close ally, Tamra Judge. In the end, her time on the show came to a dramatic halt.

The Real Housewives Drama Continues

Following the announcement of Gretchen’s return, Tamra Judge posted a photo writing. “I guess it’s time to dust off those friendship bracelets… my bestie’s back ?? #RHOC #15Seasons #LongestRunningHousewife.”

While Tamra may want to crown herself the “OG” of the group, it’s important to remember that she was fired from the show once before and didn’t join the show until season 3.

Are You Excited for Gretchen’s Return?

Gretchen Rossi’s return to RHOC is sure to shake things up in Season 19. With her history on the show, the longstanding tension with Tamra, and the return of some of our other favorite Housewives, it’s bound to be an unforgettable season.

15 comments

Cin February 3, 2025 - 1:53 pm

Yeah… maybe I'll start watching again.

Reply
Cin February 1, 2025 - 6:43 pm

Hopefully Gretchen will put the spark back into the OC

Reply
michers January 30, 2025 - 6:17 pm

But why and to be a friend to who lol?

Reply
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark February 1, 2025 - 4:44 am

I'm guessing next season, Gretchen and Tamra are going to be last season's "Alexis and Shannon". But it is going to be interesting seeing how they integrate Gretchen in with the cast, because I'm not aware of her having any connection to the cast.

Reply
Steve January 30, 2025 - 5:59 pm

Let’s hope she doesn’t bring Sade wit her.

Reply
AnEnigmaWrappedInSnark January 30, 2025 - 4:54 pm

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3a3a0fb5cb18fe96d38c35d7dcd6d354f11c34e8e35d6006b92217da99f43c47.png Of course Tamra is going to act like she doesn't care, but I have a feeling Gretchen is going to be coming in with guns blazing, and she's got plenty of ammunition.

Reply
RyNy83 January 30, 2025 - 2:55 pm

Tamra is going to eat her alive. Lol

Reply
PjC January 30, 2025 - 2:28 pm

I'm all for this but as cast mate and not a friend. Let them chew on Tamrat and bring Vicki back for season 20. Tamrat has a lot to answer for "naked wasted?"

Reply
PjC January 30, 2025 - 4:35 pm

LOL Ryan is clearly a relative of Tamrat.

Reply
RyNy83 January 31, 2025 - 10:16 am

No just a ride or die fan. and let's be clear I never watched OC until she came back. I started Listening to Two Tee's and became a fan Of Tamra. I do think they will bring back Vicki for season 20 to reunite the Tres Amigas lol

Reply
PjC January 31, 2025 - 6:04 pm

LOL. Vicki back for sure Season 20. Our only common ground 🙂 Hope Gretchen lights Tamrat up. She’s dirty; and Teddiwhore too.

Reply
Zap It January 30, 2025 - 10:45 am

Vicki should have come back before Gretchen but I don't have any feelings either way.

Reply
Champagne Hangover January 30, 2025 - 10:14 am Reply
NikkiJax January 30, 2025 - 10:26 am

Ugh, is she bringing Slade with her?

Reply
michers January 30, 2025 - 6:17 pm

Oh dear lord I hope not

Reply

Leave a Comment


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Us

All About The Real Housewives AKA All About The Truth is a website that updates you with all the latest news on everything Real Housewives & Bravo TV. AllAboutTRH was created in 2011 and is ran by enthusiasts of the entire Real Housewives franchise. This site contains a number of exclusive interviews and all content is original.

© Copyright 2023 – allabouttrh.com